Improved process of seasoning wood



. H. JENKS.

`Process-o1" Seasoning Wood.

Patened Oc't. 2, 1866.

n e s s e.,

N. PETERS. Plwmljmagnpmr. washingxom D. C,

UNITE g- STATES PATENT OFFICE.

nAn'roN n. JnNns, on narnnsnnne, PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEDWPROCESS OF SEASONING WOOD. 1

Specification forming part of Letters `Patent No. 58,425, dated October 2, 1866.

ings, making a part ot' this specification, in-

which- Figure l is a side view of an exhausting-engine applied to a vessel for containing wood to be seasoned. Fig. 2 is an end view of the receiver. i

Similar letters et' reference indicate correspondin g parts in both figures.

The object ot' my invention is to obtain a more rapid drying or seasoning of timber by inclosin g the same when in a wet or green state within an air-tight vessel, and exhausting the air from it, thereby opening the spiracles or capillary vessels of the wood and evaporating the juices therein. Y

The usual method ot' seasoning timber is to expose it to the action of dry air for a considerable space ot' time, according to the size of the logs or planks. This plan, it' continued long enough, will ett'ectually dry the timber without injury to it; but it is objectionable on account ot the long time required before the timber is fit for use.

Other plans for the more rapid seasoning of timber have been t-ried, such as kilirdrying it, steaming it, and subjecting it to currents ot' highly-heated air; but it has been found that the rapid drying by heat contracts the pores ot' the wood at and near the surface, and prevents the interior moisture from escaping.

To enable others skilled in the art to understand myinvention, I will describe one practical mode ot conducting the process.

In the accom panyin g drawings, A represents a strong cylindrical vessel, which is suitably7 supported in a horizontal position, and pro vided with a movable head, B, that should lit air-tight in its place. A clamp, O, andscrew, O', or other suitable means should be employed for securing the head 'B upon the cylinder A,

and admitting of the ready removal of this head at pleasure.

Instead of a cylindrical vessel, A, a cubical or other shaped vessel may be used; but I prefer the cylindrical form, on account of its su perior strength.

One or more pipe-s, a, lead oft' from the vessel A to an exhausting-engine, D, for the purpose of exhausting air from the vessel A when desired. The air pump or engine D may be made of the well-known form.

If desirable, a steam-jacket may surround the cylinder A, or heat may be applied to` this cylinder in any other suitable manner, it' it is found desirable, for the purpose of softening the gummy matter in the pores ot'the Wood.

Itl the cylinder A be made very large and the timber to be seasoned be very heavy, a carriage, G, may be employed for supporting the timber and allowing it to be readily introduced. into and removed fronrthe cylinder.

The process of seasoning is conducted by- Iirst introducing the green or wet timber into the cylinder A, and inclosin g it air-tight there- 1U. from the cylinder, and the timber allowed to remain in the vacuum for several hours, after which the timber is removed and stacked for use. Y It' heat be employed for softening the glutinous or resinous matters in the wood, it is applied either bet'ore exhausting the air from it or during this exhausting process. Y

The objection which applies to wood which is heated for seasoning it, as above mentioned, will-not apply in the process as conducted by me, as the pores of the wood will be opened,

and the Water forcibly ejected therefrom, by the vacuum, and there will not be an opportunity for the pores of the wood to contract and prevent the moisture from escaping.

The process of exhaustion should be carried on until the air comes out of the cylinder containing the timber perfectly dry. The stop-cock b can then be closed, and the timber allowed to remain in the vacuum for a short time, when `the air-pump may again be worked-after opening cock b-for exhausting any moisture The air is then exhausted to the utmost which may have been drawn out of the Wood by the vacuum.

If desirable, the Wood may be subjected to a dry heat after its removal from t-he cylinder or receiver, for the purpose of preventing condensation of moisture upon the surface and in the pores of the wood.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent., is-

The process, substantially as herein described, of seasoning or drying woods.

BARTON H. JENKS.

Witnesses WILLIAM DoBsoN,v OMAR J .-KINsLEY. 

